Annual Pink Zone game returns to beat breast cancer

On Sunday, February 24, 2013 the 7th annual Pink Zone basketball game will take place when the Penn State Lady Lions welcome Michigan to the Bryce Jordan Center at 1:00pm.

"This game is a true reflection of the support in our community for those who have faced breast cancer," said Aileen Galley, ACSW, LSW, administrative director, cancer program.

Each year, the game marks the culmination of yearlong fundraising efforts for the Pennsylvania Pink Zone, a non-profit organization that supports breast cancer research, treatment and education.

Anyone who has had a breast cancer diagnosis may attend the game for free and may also bring three guests. Everyone who attends is encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

"The players all wear pink jerseys, which get auctioned off after the game, and there is an amazing halftime celebration. After the game, breast cancer survivors and their guests are invited to meet the Lady Lions at a post-game reception," says Galley. "Our new Pink Zone executive director, Miriam Powell, and Lady Lion basketball head coach, Coquese Washington, and her team have done just a phenomenal job of making the day a true celebration."

A portion of the game's ticket sales will be donated back to Pink Zone beneficiaries, including Mount Nittany Health, which has been the lead beneficiary. Recently, Mount Nittany Health opened the Lady Lion Basketball Cancer Resource Center, funded by Penn State Pink Zone, in its new Lancer and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion. The Center, which provides a dedicated, quiet space for cancer patients and their loved ones, was partially funded by $122,000 raised by the Lady Lion's Pink Zone games. Visitors and patients are invited to use the Center as they wish, be it a quiet respite during the care process or a place for visitors to rest between a loved one's appointments. Trained volunteers are also available in the Center to offer research assistance, guiding visitors through cutting-edge cancer information (available both online and in print), which individuals can borrow from the Center.

In addition to the Pink Zone game itself, special Pink Zone t-shirts are available for purchase at the Penn State bookstore. T-shirts will also be available soon for purchase at Mount Nittany Medical Center.